Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
FT
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Friday, 8 September 2023 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
JAT Holdings PLC, Sri Lanka’s market leader in wood coatings and brushes, recently achieved a significant milestone, with the official groundbreaking ceremony for its state-of-the-art binder plant, in Horana.
This exciting development marks the beginning of a new era of operational efficiency and superior quality for JAT, as it ventures into manufacturing binders, which are the most essential raw material for emulsion paint. With its commitment to backward vertical integration, heightened cost-efficiency, and unwavering dedication to quality, JAT’s binder plant will allow JAT Holdings to deliver unparalleled value to customers. It also represents a transformative leap forward, further cementing JAT’s position as the dominant player in the industry.
A special initiation ceremony was held to mark the occasion, at the site of the proposed new JAT binder plant in Horana, with key figures representing the Senior and Corporate Management teams of JAT Holdings PLC, in attendance. The event symbolised JAT’s relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. It marked the commencement of construction of the new plant, which is expected to be completed by March 2024, laying a firm foundation for a new era of manufacturing capabilities for JAT.
JAT Holdings CEO Nishal Ferdinando expressed his enthusiasm for the project saying, “The initiation of our binder plant demonstrates our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement. With this venture, we aim to revolutionise the paint industry in Sri Lanka and beyond, providing our customers with cost-efficient, high-value and superior products.”
The development of the binder plant creates great synergies with the newly incorporated state-of-the-art R&D centre. Therefore, this move firmly positions JAT Holdings PLC as the industry leader, leveraging its expertise and cutting-edge technology to optimise its production process for the company’s flagship emulsion paint brand White by JAT.
JAT Holdings Director of Research and Development Ajith Bandara added, “We’re excited to embark on this new groundbreaking journey. Our binder plant will not only enable us to meet the growing demand for emulsion products but also pave the way for collaborations with regard to binder/polymer-specific development and engineering with key universities and other research institutions. We are excited about the possibilities and the positive impact this will have on the industry.”
To ensure the highest standards of quality, JAT Holdings has recruited overseas consultants and R&D specialists who will collaborate on the formulation of its range of binders. The company has also made significant investments in automated machinery, which will enhance its productivity and efficiency. The JAT binder plant will also adhere to stringent health and safety regulations, providing a safe and conducive working environment that fosters innovation and creativity. The plant will also meet both local and international environmental and sustainability standards, demonstrating JAT Holdings PLC’s commitment to its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
